Use ½ tsp or less of garam masala to substitute 1 tsp of cumin powder.

Now let’s talk about Cumin first.

What is Cumin?

Cumin is a spice produced from a plant’s dried seed named as Cuminum cyminum. Its origin is South Asia.

It belongs to the parsley family.

Cumin seeds are used in most of the dishes of African, Asian as well as the Latin American region.

They are easily available in the market both in seeds as well as grounded form.

If you don’t find cumin seeds in the market or you ran short of cumin in your pantry then you can go for cumin substitutes.

10 Best Cumin Substitutes For Your Recipes:

Cumin seeds are widely known for its earthy taste and light heat.

It is used in a variety of dishes, mostly in south-east Asia, Africa, the middle east, and Mexico.

While it is used in its whole form, in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

In Mexico, it is used in its ground, powdered form.

Whether it is dukkah – a popular middle eastern spice mix, korma – an Indian chicken curry, tagine – an African meat roast or tacos with baked beans and chili – a Mexican staple, Cumin seeds are a must, as it adds a lot of flavors.

But if you have run out of Cumin then don’t worry because we guarantee the finest collection of cumin seed substitutes, which include:

Caraway seed can be termed as the perfect Cumin seed look alike. Although milder in taste than Cumin, it makes a perfect substitute for Cumin, especially when used in middle eastern and south Asian dishes.

Use ½ a tsp of Caraway + pinch of paprika to replace 1 tsp of Cumin.

2. Fennel Seeds

Cumin and fennel seeds are not similar in flavor for sure.

In fact, fennel seeds give somewhat sweeter taste than cumin.

Nevertheless, using fennel seeds as a cumin substitute can work well for many dishes particularly in Italian sausages, meatballs, and dips, etc.

It can also be used in the grounded form in different foods.

Are Fennel Seeds Good For Your Health?

Great for those who complain of high blood pressure, as it regulates blood pressure

Aids asthma and other respiratory disorders

It helps clean the blood impurities

Cleanses the gut and removes bad bacteria, reducing the risk of bloating, inflammation, and other digestive problems

Cumin seeds and coriander seeds look very different, yet taste surprisingly similar when used in a dish. Ground Coriander adds the right heat and earthy flavors if mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper, additionally enhancing the dish.

Use ½ tsp of ground coriander + a pinch of cayenne pepper to substitute 1 tsp of Cumin

4. Chili Powder

No doubt, chili powder is extremely different in color and flavor than cumin seeds powder.

In fact, manufacturers use different spices to make chili powder with the inclusion of cumin.

Hence, it can be used as a cumin substitute when you run short of cumin.

Is Chili Powder Good For Your Health?

Before we talk about the benefits of chili powder, it is essential to know that high levels of spice can cause digestive problems such as ulcers and heartburn.

Good quality chili powder is rich in vitamin A, which aids in better vision and keeps the skin and hair hydrated.

It also has good amounts of vitamin C, which helps fight infections and improve immunity.

It is a rich source of iron and copper minerals, which help in the formation of new blood cells that fight anemia.

Rich in iron, chili powder also increases the flow of blood, which helps relieve symptoms of dementia and Alzheimers.

Why Have I Chosen Chili Powder To Substitute Cumin?

Chili powder is widely available in most grocery stores.

The reason why it goes well as a cumin substitute in most recipes is that it has good amounts of Cumin alongside other spices, namely – cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, etc.

Where chili powder works tremendously when used as a substitute for Cumin in baked beans, chili or south Asian curries, it is a no go for middle eastern dukkah and pilafs.

As it not only has extra flavors but also adds a bright red hue to the dish, contemplating the entire dish.

While Chili powder may not be the best option for some recipes, it is the best cumin substitute when used in Mexican cuisines. Though it is spicier so may you want to alter the spice level when using this cumin substitute.

Is Star Anise Good For Your Health?

It has antibacterial as well as anti-fungal properties, which means it can fight common infections such as throat infection, urinary infection, etc. as well as fungal infections such as yeast infection and more serious athlete’s foot.

Not the perfect cumin substitute for all situations and recipes, but a great alternative for south Asian and middle eastern cuisine. Use it in its ground form for precise flavor, or use whole if you want to add more scent than flavor.

Use ½ tsp ground star anise to substitute 1 tsp of ground cumin

OR 3 to 4 whole star anise to substitute 1 tsp of cumin seeds

6. Curry Powder:

Usually, curry powder is inclusive of cinnamon, coriander, ginger, turmeric, and fenugreek seed, mustard as well as black pepper.

A blend of these exquisite ingredients provides an earthy flavor to the dish in which they are added and can be used as a substitute for cumin easily.

Taco seasoning works as a perfect cumin substitute in Mexican and even Indian food recipes. Though you’ll have to balance the salt in the dish, as taco seasoning itself is pretty salty.

Use ½ tsp of taco seasoning or less to replace 1 tsp of cumin powder.

8. Garam Masala:

The literal meaning of the word Garam Masala is ‘hot spice mix.’

It is a staple in subcontinental households and is used in almost every dish.

As the name suggests, it is made up of a variety of spices, which include fennels seeds, cloves, black and white peppercorns, green cardamom, black cardamom, nutmeg, coriander, cinnamon, mace, and Cumin.

Is Garam Masala Good For Your Health?

This five-spice blend is a powerhouse of health benefits.

Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids.

It aids better digestion and boosts up the metabolism.

Rids the body of excessive bloating and other stomach ailments.

It helps fight nausea and keeps the gut feeling healthy.

Last but not least, it also helps fight bad breath and ulcers.

Why Have I Chosen Garam Masala As A Substitute For Cumin?

Like curry powder, garam masala is also a blend of spices, usually five or more.

The spices in this blend include earthy flavors and scents which best replicate cumin in any given recipe.

The blend of spices together has everything that substitutes cumin well – heat, flavor, and the raw, earthy scent.

It is easily available in most stores.

If not found at your local store, look for an Indian or Asian store, and you will surely find it.

Perfect substitute in most cuisines. However, it adds red color to the dish, which might not make it the perfect substitute for Cumin in all dishes. Aside from that, it adds the right amount of smokiness to any dish.

Hello! I’m Tauseeq Magsi. I am SEO Expert, content writer, and Freelancer at Fiverr. I am a practicing Chef and nutritionist as well. If you have any personal message email me at tauseeq@foodiideas.com!

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Mike

April 22, 2019 7:46 pm

Cumin is a boldy flavored spice commonly used in Latin and Indian cooking.

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Mike

April 22, 2019 7:47 pm

In Egypt, cumin was used both in cooking and as part of the embalming process. In Greece it was a table spice, like black pepper. In Rome, it was In Greece it was a table spice, like black pepper. In Rome, it was frequently mentioned in Apicius as a luxury ingredient for the aristocracy, to be served with snails as well as peacocks and other fowl, or mixed into honey-vinegar sauces.

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